Taize Shepherd Kennel

When we adopted our first dog — a rough collie/border collie mix named Yeti — the humane society mentioned she had a “speaking habit.” We quickly learned that meant a very vocal, highly alert dog who barked at everything, especially any dog that crossed her line of sight, often paired with serious leash pulling. Charlene was recommended to us, and through her patient instruction and guidance, we learned how to channel Yeti’s energy and focus in a productive way. After completing her group training class, Yeti was able to walk calmly past other dogs on park trails and village streets. We went from dreading walks to genuinely enjoying them. Charlene doesn’t just train dogs — she teaches owners how to build a better partnership with their dog, and that made all the difference for us.

We have brought three of our smooth fox terriers for training with Charlene, and one of them went all the way to becoming a therapy dog and also attended rally classes. Twice when my dogs became ill on weekends on an emergency basis, Charlene helped us find a vet that was able to take us quickly. She called and facilitated the appointments! My dog now is a difficult, anxious one, a resource guarder - Charlene has helped me with various techniques to cope with his anxiety. We have made excellent progress and I am grateful for all her help and support in a difficult situation. If you do the homework and attend the classes you will have wonderful results!

Charlene is the best! I have trained 4 dogs with her at her Taize Shepherd Kennel. It has been fun, educational for sure and very rewarding. All 4 of my dogs have earned their Canine Good Citizen titles and 3 have gone on to become certified therapy dogs. Over the years I have watched Charlene's interaction with many dogs and owners. I have seen her take some dogs with really aggressive personalities to task and have seen them respond very well to her knowledgeable methods. They and their owners were treated with authority, understanding and kindness. They responded and became safe, reliable companions in time and effort. I have seenher down on the floor with a small dog that was rescued from a very abusive situation. The little dog was so terrified that he shook uncontrollably from the tip of his tail to his little nose. By the end of his classes with Charlene he was wagging his little tail, accepting treats and responding to touches from gentle hands. He went home at the end with one very happy little girl. My current dog has gone on to take Rally classes with Charlene and we hope to do some shows this Spring. It is lots of fun and very bonding and all because of a trainer who takes the time to understand each of her students and that is both 4 and 2 legged alike. I know I am repeating myself when I say that after 13+ years of experience - Charlene Marchand is the BEST!

When I got my puppy last year, there was no question as to where or to whom I would take her for training: Taize Shepherd Kennel, with Charlene! I had taken my prior dog (who came to me timid and semi-feral) to her, and she helped me help this dog to realize his full potential. Together, we ended up doing things and going places I had never dreamt of, with any dog! Charlene has a way of bringing out the best in each dog (and trainer) and making the learning experience rewarding for both ends of the leash. I have taken many classes at Taize, and have always driven home feeling well-satisfied, happy, and with a bit more knowledge under my belt. (An added bonus: there is genuine sense of support and comradery in the classes.) Training my new dog with Charlene is incredibly valuable and educational (and fun), and while the fundamentals are consistent, she recognizes, considers, and respects each dog's individuality and temperament. She knows dogs, that is absolutely for sure! I can't wait to see where this pup and I go and what we do . . . ! Thanks, Charlene!

If you want a trainer who cares deeply for your dog and your ability to train it, take classes with Charlene. She has a wealth of experience and uses methods that really work. We are currently taking our second dog through her classes and continue to benefit from her methods. Spoiler alert: we humans are usually the reason dogs don't respond the way we want...so we get the training we need to train the dog. Her classes are really well run, fun, and full of good information. It's a real community experience with Charlene at the head - she's the best.